“There was a phone call. I was asked if I was prepared to come back to Roma,” Panucci told the Corrieredello Sport.

A former defender, he is currently working as Capello’s assistant for the Russian national team. He played for the Giallorossi from 2001 to 2009.

“It would be the ultimate job to lead Roma. I spent some marvellous years at the Trigoria training ground. I’m not frightened by the prospect, as if anything I am fired up at the idea of being their Coach.

“My experience of studying Capello, who is the best Coach in the world, is worth more than many other adventures. Capello is teaching me so much and I am happy in Russia.

“If an actual proposal to be Roma Coach came in, then that would be one thing, otherwise I’d stay here.”

There are also reports the club considered Paulo Roberto Falcao, another former Roma star, but the idea was quickly abandoned.